As expected, early the next morning, all Civil Security Companies across the city received a mobilization order from the Tokyo Area Government.
Although the Tendo Civil Security Company was a small outfit with only three members, it also received an invitation to the combat briefing.
"More like a call to arms than an invitation."
Kevin tucked one hand into his pocket and followed behind Kisara, who held Enju's hand with the other.
"By the way, are you sure it's alright to attend a meeting like this in your school uniform?"
"What do you know?"
The president lady retorted without turning her head.
"Meihe Girls' Academy is a prestigious institution where even the Holy Emperor once studied."
"This uniform is as good as any expensive dress—and we're not attending a dinner party, so evening gowns are hardly necessary."
Kisara had a point, judging by the serious expressions of their colleagues also attending the briefing.
There definitely wouldn't be any dancing in the spotlight for the remainder of the meeting.
This marked Kevin's second visit to IISO headquarters in less than 24 hours.
The briefing was held in the auditorium of the International Initiator Supervisory Organization. Once all the seats were filled, a middle-aged man in military uniform approached the podium.
"This situation has developed rapidly. To explain why I've gathered you all here, I'll first outline the crisis currently facing the Tokyo Area."
The man in military uniform pressed the remote control in his hand, and a familiar scene immediately appeared on the projection screen behind him.
This was the footage deep within the restricted zone captured in yesterday's emergency news broadcast.
Seeing the structure towering over ten stories high in the center of the image, the Promoters present all felt a chill run down their spines.
Although they didn't know its exact significance, for humanity... this was undoubtedly bad news.
"The expert group has provisionally designated it a 'hive,' and I will use this term to refer to the structure in the image below."
The man in military uniform spoke with a voice as cold and steady as steel.
"According to the early warning information relayed by the drone, a hive suddenly appeared in the depths of the restricted zone, 120 kilometers away from Tokyo, within the past three days."
"Centered around the hive, a large number of Gastrea carrying the 'Vespa' gene have congregated. Their evolutionary stage is estimated to be Stage I to Stage II, and no significantly powerful individuals have been identified as of yet."
"These 'Vespa' will attack any approaching units they perceive as a threat, including not only military drones but also other Gastrea within the restricted area."
The scene switched, and the projection screen displayed footage of Vespa and other Gastrea engaged in combat.
The Vespa, leveraging their aerial superiority, achieved victory in an almost overwhelming fashion.
"If you have any questions, you may ask them now."
As the words finished, a low murmur rippled through the auditorium.
Kevin didn't raise his hand to speak, after all, he already knew the true nature of this thing.
"Excuse me..."
After a brief pause, someone finally pressed the speak button and posed a question after their request was approved.
"It seems that the appearance of the 'hive' doesn't pose an immediate threat to the Tokyo Area. It's located in a secure zone 120 kilometers away, and it's also aggressively targeting other Gastrea."
"Wouldn't it seem unnecessary for us to launch a large-scale attack?"
This sentiment was echoed by several other Promoters.
Perhaps anticipating such a question, the man in military uniform switched the screen in a prepared manner.
This time, it wasn't a real photograph but a map.
"You are correct, the Hive is not a direct threat to Tokyo for the moment, however..."
"Its sphere of influence is expanding at an alarming rate."
"If we leave it unchecked, I fear that in less than a month, a Vespa swarm will appear outside the Monolith!"
"Although their current flight altitude cannot exceed the Monolith, if these Vespa produce individuals above 'Stage III', the situation will become exceedingly dangerous."
"Furthermore—"
As if delivering a final, crucial piece of information, the man in military uniform pressed the remote control with a serious expression.
The projection screen displayed the final image, a very blurry photograph.
It appeared to be an image transmitted with great difficulty before equipment failure.
Judging by the viewing angle, it seemed to be an aerial shot taken from above the beehive.
Unlike the previous photos, this one had thermal imaging enabled.
Through the massive shell of the beehive, the Promoters observed a small figure within.
It resembled the pupa of some insect, dormant and still, awaiting the moment of its emergence.
Needless to say, the moment everyone laid eyes on this "pupa," a heavy sense of impending crisis settled over the room.
If the "pupa" inside the beehive, guarded by such a massive number of Vespa, were allowed to hatch successfully...
It might very well develop into a "Stage V" Gastrea with the potential to devastate the world, just like the catastrophic "Zodiac"!
Previously, everyone had considered 120 kilometers a sufficient buffer.
But now... if a "Phase V" awakened near the Tokyo Area,
The distance of 120 kilometers would only afford the humans in the urban area enough time to pen their final words.
Perhaps sensing the increasingly oppressive atmosphere, the man in military uniform cleared his throat lightly, breaking the heavy silence in the auditorium.
"The worst is potentially yet to come, this is all the intelligence we currently possess."
"It is also impossible to accurately predict the evolutionary stage the unknown organism within the hive will reach."
"That is why the Tokyo Area requires your strength."
Finally, the true purpose of summoning the presidents of all the Civil Security Companies in the city to the IISO headquarters was revealed.
Although this was somewhat expected, having just absorbed the preceding information, the Promoters present felt a renewed sense of urgency and unease.
"Excuse me, but that is a high-risk zone located 120 kilometers deep within the restricted area."
Some individuals couldn't help but voice their concerns.
"The most dangerous commissions typically only operate within a 50-kilometer radius of the restricted area."
"Not to mention the threat posed by the Gastrea themselves, the sheer distance alone means that the personnel carrying out the mission will face significant logistical challenges in securing effective supplies!"
It was evident that this was an experienced Promoter with considerable firsthand knowledge of exploring restricted zones.
Faced with such reasonable concerns, the man in military uniform didn't become defensive but nodded in acknowledgment.
"You are correct, therefore, this time, we have specifically requested the support of 'Uzumaki' for this joint operation."
"Sima Heavy Industries has pledged to establish forward operating bases every 10 kilometers from the hive to ensure the safety of the explorers and the resupply of materials."
"Correspondingly... they also require you to retrieve certain biological samples from the front lines."
As soon as these words were spoken, a low murmur of surprise and discussion filled the room.
If Sima Heavy Industries was indeed providing such substantial logistical support, that significantly altered the equation.
As the largest military-industrial enterprise in Tokyo, Sima Heavy Industries' capabilities were beyond question.
Almost all the weapons and equipment utilized by the Promoters present originated from Sima Heavy Industries.
Sima Heavy Industries also developed and manufactured Enterovirus inhibitors, essential for the regular injections required by the Initiators of the Cursed Children.
It could be argued that if Sima Heavy Industries possessed its own dedicated military force, it would undoubtedly rival the power of the national army!
"Sima Heavy Industries..."
Hearing this name, the image of a certain sharp-tongued young lady from a powerful consortium flickered through Kevin's mind.
"Knowing her style, she'd probably head to the front lines herself to take command."
I wonder if I'll run into her there.
After mentioning the name of Sima Heavy Industries, the Promoters' initial resistance to the operation noticeably lessened.
The man in military uniform capitalized on this shift in sentiment and presented further appealing practical benefits.
"Furthermore, those who make significant contributions to this operation will receive double the standard rewards from the government and ISO."
"For particularly outstanding contributors, IP rankings will be substantially improved, along with significant cash bonuses..."
Suddenly, the man in military uniform's expression shifted. He reached up and touched his earpiece, as if receiving urgent instructions.
The other individuals in the auditorium were momentarily confused, but then they saw the man in military uniform quickly regain his composure and speak in a solemn tone.
"Next, please allow His Excellency 'Heavenly Lord' to address you."
A sudden, profound silence descended upon the entire room.
The next second, as if reacting in perfect unison, the presidents of the Civil Security Companies in the auditorium swiftly stood up and offered a respectful salute to the holy figure that appeared on the projection screen.
"You are the heroes who will protect this city. There is no need for such formality."
The girl with skin and hair as white as snow spoke softly.
Although she appeared to be around the same age as Mu Geng, she exuded a maturity and nobility far beyond her years.
Kevin had only sensed this kind of profound presence in Riveria Ljos Alf, a member of the elven royal family.
But Riveria was a genuine immortal.
Heavenly Lord—The ruler of the Tokyo Area.
Due to its hereditary nature, "Heavenly Lord" was a title passed down through generations.
The Heavenly Lord before everyone was already the third in that lineage.
After people sat down one after another, the low hum of anticipation in the auditorium finally subsided.
However, the atmosphere in the venue was now even more serious than before... and tinged with unease.
The fact that the highest authority in the Tokyo Area had personally appeared indicated that this incident was likely far more critical than they had initially grasped.
"I didn't expect to see the Heavenly Lord at a time like this."
Kevin mused to himself, a hint of surprise in his thoughts.
"This time, the plot has been significantly altered by the boss from the Terraria world... Well, not necessarily entirely."
"What has already been set in motion will inevitably continue to unfold."
"Whether it's the collapse of the giant stone tablet, or the 'Vineyard' and the 'Wuxiang Society'."
"For now... let's focus on resolving the Queen Bee issue first."
After all, his world quest also required him to eliminate a Queen Bee within the Black Bullet World.
Once he obtained the power of the "Shadow Monarch," dealing with the subsequent matters would become considerably easier.
Thinking of this, Kevin suddenly looked up at the holy figure reflected on the screen and abruptly pressed the button to request permission to speak.
The Heavenly Lord's expression shifted slightly, and she turned her gaze towards his location.
"Mr.Kevin from the Tendo Civil Security Company... please proceed."
"Your Excellency the Heavenly Lord."
Under the collective scrutiny of everyone—especially the surprised gaze of Miss Kisara—
Kevin spoke without hesitation.
"If I can successfully resolve this crisis, would I be deemed worthy of an audience with you?"